His Plump Mate (by Buchanan) novel Chapter 19

**Rebel POV**

As I walk alongside Austin and Renz on our way back to the pack house, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. The revelation that my father had concealed my very existence from my mother’s family is like a heavy stone lodged in my chest. He stripped me of a family, a pack, a life filled with love, education, and belonging. Why? The question echoes in my mind like a haunting melody. He never wanted me; I was merely a burden he felt obliged to bear. So why did he keep me hidden away when there was an entire family out there who could have embraced me, loved me, and made me feel cherished? Why did he choose a life of isolation and loneliness for me?

Anger and confusion swirl within me, leaving me feeling numb. I am a cocktail of emotions, unable to pinpoint which one demands my attention first. Austin, sensing my turmoil, holds my hand tightly, attempting to push his warmth and comfort through our bond. I appreciate his effort, but right now, all I crave is the freedom of a run. I need to unleash Roxie and clear the fog clouding my thoughts.

“I need to go for a run. I need to let Roxie out and clear my head,” I tell Austin, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

“Okay, I’m coming with you. Cronos needs to be let out too,” he responds, his tone leaving no room for debate. I simply nod, feeling a flicker of gratitude for his unwavering support, and make my way to the tree line.

Once there, I strip down and shift into Roxie, feeling the familiar rush of power as her paws hit the ground. Austin approaches, his fingers gliding through her fur, and she instinctively licks him, eliciting a chuckle from him. “You were amazing back there, Roxie. Now, I’m letting Cronos out to run with you—not to hunt, but just to keep you company. Both you and Rebel have had quite the revelation today. We just want to be close to you both. And soon, I hope we can allow both you and Cronos to complete your bond,” he adds, his voice filled with affection.

Roxie snuggles against him, chuffing in understanding. We wait patiently as he shifts into Cronos, his large black frame emerging gracefully. He crawls over to Roxie, careful not to startle her, and nudges her gently with his nose, trying to comfort her.

Roxie, in her playful spirit, nips at his ear and then springs to her feet, taking off in a burst of energy. Cronos chuffs happily and follows her, nipping at her heels. In this moment, Roxie feels carefree, her playful nature shining through as Cronos happily engages with her. He respects her boundaries, not pushing her into completing the mate bond, but Roxie, sensing his carefulness, takes the initiative. She begins to lick Cronos playfully, rubbing against his fur, igniting a spark between them.

After teasing him, she lays down, raising her bottom in a show of submission, and Cronos, unable to contain himself any longer, mounts her. As they find their release, they mark each other, sealing their bond in a moment of raw connection. Roxie sighs in contentment, and I can feel Cronos’s satisfaction radiating through the bond. They could easily spend the night here in this blissful state, but the rumble in my stomach reminds me that dinner awaits, and Roxie is starving—meaning I am too.

I nudge Roxie, urging her to return to where we left our clothes. Before she shifts back, I notice Austin has already transformed and is waiting for us, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches her. He runs his fingers through her fur again, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You and Rebel are little minxes, beautiful,” he teases, and Roxie responds with a playful chuff and a lick that speaks of her affection.

“Alright, beautiful, go change, and let’s grab dinner,” he chuckles, the warmth of his laughter wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.

Once I pull my shift and get dressed, I step out from behind the trees to find Austin waiting patiently for me. In that moment, I see my home reflected in his eyes. It’s astonishing how quickly he has become the most significant person in my life. An overwhelming wave of emotion washes over me, and I can’t help but wrap my arms around him, seeking solace in his embrace.

Austin responds instantly, wrapping his arms around me tightly. “Hey, darling. It’s been a lot to process today, huh?” he observes, his voice soft as he holds me close.

I sigh deeply, nodding against his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat.

“We have so much to discuss, but right now, all I want is to be with my mate,” I confess, my arms moving to encircle his neck as I lean in to kiss him softly. He deepens the kiss, and when we finally part, he takes my hand, leading me back to the pack house.

After a hearty meal in the dining hall, we make our way back to our room. I’ve remained quiet since the meeting with the rogue, my mind still churning with thoughts. I long for answers, yet the idea of returning to Ironclaw fills me with dread. What purpose did my father have in taking me away from my mother’s family? His reputation is all that matters to him, but what did he gain by hiding me? I feel a crucial piece of this puzzle is still missing, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain about my own identity.

“Rebel darling, I can practically see the steam rising from your ears with all that thinking. Please, talk to me,” Austin interrupts my thoughts, his concern evident. “How about I run a bath for us? We can talk there, okay?” I nod, grateful for his understanding, and he steps away for a moment.

As I walk into the closet, I remember Natty’s words about Austin waiting for me, his mate, leaving half of everything in the closet empty for my arrival. The thought warms my heart, filling me with a sense of belonging I’ve yearned for.

What if I had grown up with my mother’s family? What would my life have been like?

Family. Do I have cousins, aunts, uncles? Surely, I have grandparents, especially since the rogue referred to me as the long-lost granddaughter. Absently, I grab some clothes to change into after the bath, my mind racing with thoughts of how different my life could have been if I had known about my family.

“Rebel?” I hear Austin’s voice call out for me.

“I’m in the closet,” I reply, slightly distracted.

As he enters, he halts, his eyes darkening at the sight of the red lacy panties and nightgown in my hand. I can’t help but blush. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to what I was grabbing,” I stammer.

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